SCULPTRA AESTHETIC

Sculptra Aesthetic is a different kind of dermal filler used in the mid-face. While other dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane use hyaluronic acid (HA) to restore lost facial volume, Sculptra works a little differently. The poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) in Sculptra stimulates natural collagen production deep down. Over a series of Sculptra treatment in our clinic, the collagen grown restores the scaffolding beneath the skin for a more youthful look.

Sculptra can be used alone or together with HA fillers. Sculptra Aesthetic results last over two years.

A Little Bit of Background on Sculptra

Sculptra is unique in that it was initially developed to treat fat lipoatrophy, a fat loss condition found in HIV patients who suffered from extreme weight loss. The sunken appearance that HIV patients get is a side-effect of the treatments they receive to keep them healthy and living longer. With the creation of the Sculptra PLLA injections, HIV patients can look as healthy as their medications help them feel.

Following the approval of PLLA for fat lipoatrophy, it was later approved as a non-surgical cosmetic enhancement for all patients who want to look as young as they feel or restore lost facial volume that occurs with rapid weight loss.

Sculptra in Greater St. Louis at Pure 111

At Pure 111, we offer personalized consultations for every patient. This personal time together with your new provider allows us to work together to determine the best treatments for you. We will: discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations; go over your medical and health history; do a thorough examination; and confirm the medications and supplements you take.

If we determine that Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you, we will provide you with pre-treatment instructions to prepare and ensure the best results from your Sculptra procedure. It’s very important that you follow these instructions to the letter to reduce unwanted side-effects.

What to Expect During Your Sculptra Treatment

Prior to your Sculptra treatment, we will numb the mid-face with a topical anesthetic. Your provider will apply it along your cheekbones and just above and/or below. Once you’re nice and numb, it’s time to get to work. After removing the numbing cream, we will inject Sculptra deep into the dermis where you’ll get the most benefit from the procedure.

We will provide you with post-treatment instructions and schedule you for future appointments where we will monitor your progress and perform repeated Sculptra injections.

After Your Sculptra Treatment

There is virtually no downtime with Sculptra Aesthetic. You may experience some swelling and bruising, but these symptoms will subside over the next couple of days. Over time and a series of treatments, your body will regrow collagen in response to the PLLA. Your lines and wrinkles will diminish in appearance and youthful facial fullness will be restored. We may also recommend a little HA filler as a finishing touch.

Results are typically seen within 4-6 weeks and can last for up to two years with Sculptra Aesthetic.

SCULPTRA FAQ

Does Sculptra Aesthetic sound like a great solution for your facial anti-aging goals? Contact us for a consultation so we can determine if Sculptra is right for you. In the meantime, browse these common questions and answers we hear from patients about Sculptra in O’Fallon, IL.

Sculptra Aesthetic is for anyone who is generally healthy, but has volume loss in the mid-face and would like to rebuild collagen to look younger and more vibrant. As long as you don’t have any medical contraindications to Sculptra treatment, you should be able to safely receive this treatment. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not get Sculptra or other injectables, as their safety hasn’t been studied.

If you are allergic to the anesthetic or any ingredient in the Sculptra vial, you should not receive Sculptra. Patients on certain medications should not receive Sculptra treatments unless they can safely stop taking them. Discuss your full medical history with your provider during your consultation.

One treatment shows little-to-no results. The compounding effects are what make Sculptra work very well and regrow that youthful collagen. Only one or two vials of Sculptra Aesthetic will be used per treatment, and patients typically need at least three or more vials to see results. Doing all of the vials in one sitting is not recommended. Discuss this with your provider.

Sculptra Aesthetic is FDA-approved for use in the mid-face; it first received approval in 2004 for treatment of facial fat loss. It also has fewer side-effects than other injectables. In the hands of a skilled, experienced nurse injector, you can expect a safe treatment. The most common side effects are mild and may include some swelling and bruising.

The entire procedure is considered very cost-effective as it can last for over two years but can vary depending on your needs. Sculptra Aesthetic is unique in that you can sometimes guess at how many vials of Sculptra you’ll require: one vial per decade. So, if you’re in your 40s, you can expect about four vials of Sculptra to be used, if you’re in your 50s, five vials, and so on. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, as everyone ages differently. Discuss your individual needs with your provider during your consultation.